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To believe the statement that Lear reminds us of a child in his madness would mean his actions, thoughts and sorrows are not great enough to be classed as a man. The fact that Shakespeare influences the audience to feel pity for Lear through his mislead actions should not be viewed as a degrading part to his character. Lear’s sense of realization of his harsh actions towards Cordellia shows the audience that he can now see the errors in his ways, with experience showing him so. ‘I did her wrong’ This line implies that his sense of madness has enlightened him to his wrongdoing and not in anyway childlike. However his actions in tearing off his robes can be seen not only to signify his fall in power and respect but also as a reflection of his birth like state. Lear’s role reversal with his daughters Goner